Lisa Stiffler
Lisa Stiffler is a journalist who covers nonprofits, companies, and researchers applying technology to environmental, energy, health, transit, education and other societal challenges; she has worked at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, freelanced for The Seattle Times, and written for outlets including Seattle's Child, Sightline Institute, NPR, MSNBC, Smithsonian Magazine, GeekWire and CoMotion News.
Helion Energy Breaks Ground on World's First Commercial Fusion Plant in Washington, Targeting 2028 Operation
Helion Energy has begun construction on its Orion fusion power plant in Malaga, Washington, aiming to be the world's first commercial fusion facility. The project, backed by a historic power purchase agreement with Microsoft, targets operational status by 2028 despite significant industry challenges.
Seattle Startup TriMagnetix Raises $200,000 to Develop Energy-Efficient Nanomagnetic Chips for AI Applications
Seattle startup TriMagnetix is developing nanomagnetic processing chips that drastically reduce energy use compared to traditional semiconductors, addressing rising power demands driven by AI. The company recently secured $200,000 from climate fund SNØCAP to advance its sustainable chip technology amid growing environmental concerns over data center energy consumption.
Avalanche Energy Receives $10M Washington State Grant to Build FusionWERX Fusion Energy R&D Site
Avalanche Energy secured a $10 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to build FusionWERX, a commercial-scale fusion energy testing facility in Richland, Washington, aimed at supporting fusion R&D and job creation. The facility will serve universities, companies, and government labs to advance fusion power technologies and the clean energy supply chain.
Aquagga Wins $1,500 Top Prize at PNW Climate Week for Portable PFAS Destruction Technology
Aquagga won the top prize of $1,500 at a PNW Climate Week pitch contest for its portable units that destroy harmful PFAS 'forever chemicals' in contaminated wastewater, addressing major environmental and health concerns. The startup, led by CEO Dhileep Sivam, is expanding operations with new contracts including a three-year deal in Colorado and work with 3M.
Seattle’s Omnidian to Acquire Portions of Bankrupt Sunnova’s Solar Business for $7 Million
Seattle-based solar servicing company Omnidian plans to acquire parts of bankrupt solar firm Sunnova’s business for $7 million, taking over customer service and system management for many Sunnova customers. Sunnova filed for bankruptcy last month due to financial challenges including tariffs and reduced solar incentives.
Seattle Startup Membrion Raises $11.3 Million in New Funding to Expand Industrial Wastewater Treatment Technology
Industrial wastewater treatment startup Membrion, based in Seattle, is raising $11.3 million in its latest funding round, following a $12.5 million Series B in August 2023. The company develops modular treatment units using patented ceramic desalination membranes to filter heavy metals and salts from industrial wastewater.
Group14 Delays Moses Lake Battery Plant to 2026 and Lays Off U.S. Workers Amid Tariff and Policy Challenges
Group14 Technologies has laid off an undisclosed number of U.S. workers and delayed production at its Moses Lake battery materials plant to early 2026 due to tariff uncertainties and changes in federal clean energy policies. The company continues to operate its joint venture in South Korea, which supplies Chinese customers unaffected by U.S. tariffs.
Seattle Startup Circulate Health Raises $12M to Expand $8,000-$10,000 Plasma Exchange Longevity Treatment
Seattle's Circulate Health raised $12 million in seed funding to expand its costly therapeutic plasma exchange service aimed at promoting longevity by cleaning blood plasma. The company partners with clinics across eight states and has delivered over 1,000 treatments since May 2024, although the procedure is not proven to slow aging or covered by insurance.
Bala Vishwanath Named SeekOut CMO; Zillow’s Chad Cohen and Zulily’s Darrell Cavens Join Grindr and Match Group Boards
Bala Vishwanath joined SeekOut as chief marketing officer, while former Zillow CFO Chad Cohen and ex-Zulily CEO Darrell Cavens joined the boards of Grindr and Match Group, respectively. These appointments highlight leadership changes in prominent Seattle-area tech and dating companies.
Seattle Social Commerce Startup Nectar Social Raises $10.6M to Expand AI Marketing Tools
Seattle-based social commerce startup Nectar Social, founded by sisters Misbah and Farah Uraizee in 2023, announced $10.6 million in funding to advance its AI-driven marketing tools that connect brands with consumers on social media platforms. The company aims to replace traditional digital ads with personalized, conversational engagement focused on Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Seattle Fusion Startups Helion, Zap, Avalanche Clash Over Commercial Power Timelines at Investor Summit
At a Seattle-area Technology Alliance event, fusion startups Helion Energy, Zap Energy, and Avalanche Energy debated their timelines and challenges in commercializing fusion power, with Helion targeting a 2028 fusion power plant for Microsoft and competitors expressing skepticism about such aggressive goals.
Seattle Solar Startup Omnidian Hires Former Impinj CFO Evan Fein After Raising $87M
Seattle solar startup Omnidian appointed Evan Fein, former Impinj leader, as CFO following its $87 million funding round and acquisition of Australia's largest solar service network. The company aims to expand internationally and diversify into new renewable energy services using its solar performance management software.
Helion Energy to Build World's First Fusion Plant in Malaga, Washington, Powering Microsoft Data Centers with 50MW
Helion Energy plans to build the world's first fusion power plant near the Rock Island Dam in Malaga, Washington, aiming to begin construction this summer and provide 50 megawatts of clean energy to Microsoft data centers. The company, backed by over $1 billion in investments from notable investors like Sam Altman and SoftBank, has been engaging extensively with the local community and authorities to secure permits and support.
ZeroAvia Seeks $150M to Fund Hydrogen-Electric Aviation Powertrain Production Through 2028
ZeroAvia, a sustainable aviation startup, is seeking $150 million in funding to sustain operations through 2028 and plans to start commercial production of its hydrogen-electric powertrain by 2027. The company has secured over 2,000 orders, is working with aviation authorities for certification, and recently partnered with RVL Aviation to retrofit cargo aircraft in the UK.
Seattle’s VerAvanti Raises $31.5M Series A to Develop Stroke-Preventing Imaging Scopes, Plans 2026 Product Launch
Seattle-based VerAvanti raised $31.5 million in Series A funding to develop ultra-thin imaging scopes aimed at preventing strokes and heart attacks, with plans to commercialize the product by early 2026. The company also leased a new manufacturing facility and is progressing toward FDA approval.
Seattle Company Freespira Gains FDA Clearance for Drug-Free Teen Anxiety Treatment Using Breathing Technology
Seattle-based company Freespira received FDA clearance for a drug-free, breathing retraining treatment aimed at addressing anxiety, panic, and trauma in teens aged 13-17. The 28-day therapy involves daily guided breathing sessions and virtual coaching, targeting physiological causes of anxiety with a prescription-required device.
YIMBY AI Wins $5,000 Grand Prize at Seattle Climate Hackathon for AI Tool Supporting Accessory Dwelling Units
YIMBY AI won the $5,000 grand prize at the Seattle Climate Hackathon for their AI-powered tool that simplifies developing accessory dwelling units to boost housing and reduce emissions. The event, involving 14 teams and held at the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub, was sponsored by Microsoft and Amazon.
Seattle Solar Service Firm Omnidian Raises $87M to Expand Globally and Explore EV Infrastructure
Omnidian, a Seattle-based solar power servicing company, raised $87 million to expand its clean energy maintenance services, enter new markets including Australia, and explore servicing electric vehicle charging and energy storage. The company, whose revenue tripled from 2022 to 2024, recently acquired Australia's Solar Service Guys and has raised a total of $165 million with backing from investors including B Capital and Liberty Mutual.
Stepchange Raises $7M for Climate-Focused Venture Fund Targeting Software Startups in Transportation, Energy, and Resilience
Seattle-based venture firm Stepchange raised $7 million for its inaugural fund to invest in climate-focused startups targeting sectors like transportation, energy, and resilience with asset-light, cost-competitive software solutions. Founded by Anay Shah and Ben Eidelson, the fund has already backed 13 startups and plans 30 investments, supported by over 100 investors including Bain Capital Ventures and tech leaders from major companies.
Seattle Startup Potato Raises $4.5M to Develop AI and Robotics for Fully Automated Scientific Experiments
Seattle startup Potato raised $4.5 million to develop AI-driven automation for scientific research, aiming for fully autonomous experiments using AI assistants and robotics. They currently offer a platform assisting hypothesis generation and protocol creation, planning to expand into robotic lab work in partnership with Ginkgo Automation.
Seattle's Earth Finance Acquires Google-Backed Climate Engine to Expand Environmental Data Analytics
Earth Finance, a Seattle-based climate consulting firm, acquired Climate Engine, a Nevada startup known for its environmental and economic climate data analysis technology developed in partnership with Google Cloud. The acquisition expands Earth Finance's capabilities and team, integrating Climate Engine's Spatial Finance technology to help businesses manage climate risks.
UW Startup Voltair Wins $15,000 Prize for AI Self-Charging Drones Inspecting Power Lines to Boost Grid Reliability
University of Washington startup Voltair won the $15,000 grand prize at the UW Environmental Innovation Challenge with AI-powered self-charging drones that inspect power lines to prevent outages. Their drones recharge from power lines and detect vegetation threats, aiming to improve grid reliability amid rising energy demands and workforce retirements.
Gennev Founder Jill Angelo Steps Down After Acquisition; Aurion Biotech CEO Replaced Following Alcon Majority Stake; Temporal Adds New Leadership
Jill Angelo, founder and CEO of menopause startup Gennev, stepped down following its acquisition by Unified Women’s Healthcare, while Aurion Biotech replaced CEO Greg Kunst with Arnaud Lacoste after Alcon acquired a majority stake. Temporal also announced leadership additions with Jim Cyb as president and Sahir Azam as an independent board member.
Trump-Era Funding Cuts and Hiring Freeze Stall UW Protein Design Startups Led by Nobel Laureate David Baker
The University of Washington's Institute for Protein Design, led by Nobel laureate David Baker, faces a hiring freeze and funding cuts under the Trump administration, stalling its promising protein design startups and reducing opportunities for graduate students and postdocs. Despite Nobel-driven interest and advances in AI-designed proteins, budget constraints threaten future innovation and company spinoffs.
Former Amazon Leader and Army Veteran Stephiney Foley Launches Maternal-Care Startup Yuzi in September 2023
Stephiney Foley, a U.S. Army veteran and former Amazon product leader, has leveraged her military and corporate experience to launch Yuzi, a maternal-care startup focused on post-natal support for new mothers. Her leadership journey, shaped by her time at West Point and service in the Army, informs her approach to entrepreneurship.
Organizations
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CoMotion News Reporter · current
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GeekWire Reporter · current
